CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 HONOREES
Ginny FisherBedminster
Bedminster: Ginny Fisher
The Bedminster Township Democratic Committee would like to nominate Virginia Fisher for the Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award. As most people know, Ginny was the deputy chair of the Bedminster Democratic Committee for several years. She has held many other positions in our Committee including Social Activity chair, over many, many years. But the reason we are nominating her this year is to recognize how vital her service has been in recent years to keep the Bedminster Democratic Committee viable.
During a period of declining activity, Ginny has been the force to follow up with potential new members and lets them know that their participation is wanted and encouraged. She calls, she emails – she is the welcoming committee that draws in new people. Over the past year, we have seen results of her dedication, with increasing interest and new members. She single-handedly organizes the events that the Committee does aside from political business – the annual Raritan River Cleanup, our parties, and the Bedminster Fall Fest Democratic table. In this way, she keeps us visible to the outside world in a way that would simply not have happened without her. In addition, Ginny is always the one who makes sure that the calls for volunteers by the Somerset Democratic Executive Committee are answered by Bedminster. She does this without seeking the limelight, or even pointing out what her contributions are. She just does what needs to be done, without being asked or asking for recognition.
We believe that the Bedminster Democratic Committee is once again growing, and we hope to be a force to be reckoned with moving forward. Without Ginny’s dedication, hard work, and institutional knowledge that would not be the case. There is no one else on our committee who deserves recognition for her service more than Ginny.
The Bedminster Township Democratic Committee would like to nominate Virginia Fisher for the Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award. As most people know, Ginny was the deputy chair of the Bedminster Democratic Committee for several years. She has held many other positions in our Committee including Social Activity chair, over many, many years. But the reason we are nominating her this year is to recognize how vital her service has been in recent years to keep the Bedminster Democratic Committee viable.
During a period of declining activity, Ginny has been the force to follow up with potential new members and lets them know that their participation is wanted and encouraged. She calls, she emails – she is the welcoming committee that draws in new people. Over the past year, we have seen results of her dedication, with increasing interest and new members. She single-handedly organizes the events that the Committee does aside from political business – the annual Raritan River Cleanup, our parties, and the Bedminster Fall Fest Democratic table. In this way, she keeps us visible to the outside world in a way that would simply not have happened without her. In addition, Ginny is always the one who makes sure that the calls for volunteers by the Somerset Democratic Executive Committee are answered by Bedminster. She does this without seeking the limelight, or even pointing out what her contributions are. She just does what needs to be done, without being asked or asking for recognition.
We believe that the Bedminster Democratic Committee is once again growing, and we hope to be a force to be reckoned with moving forward. Without Ginny’s dedication, hard work, and institutional knowledge that would not be the case. There is no one else on our committee who deserves recognition for her service more than Ginny.
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Bernards Township: Ana Duarte McCarthy
Ana Duarte McCarthy was one of the founding members of the new Bernards Township Democratic Committee. In 2017, during the BTDC’s rejuvenation, she spent many nights working with other women on how to form a political party. Her prudent guidance was invaluable during this hectic time. She then stepped up as our first Treasurer and she held that position until June 2020. During her time on the BTDC Executive Committee, she helped guide us with our strategic plan, created our by-laws, streamlined our finances, and created the BTDC Civic Scholarship which is still offered annually to a Ridge High School Junior or Senior. Since 2017, Ana has worked on all local campaigns by canvassing, phone banking, donating time and money. She is one of the most highly regarded members of the BTDC. Also impressive is Ana’s long record of community service. Since 2015, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Somerset County YMCA. She was an officer and chaired the annual fundraising campaign for five years. She has served on the Bernards Township Golf Advisory Committee since 2017 and was a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She was an active volunteer within the school system with various groups and was an assistant coach for seven years in Bernards Township recreation basketball program. In 2023, Ana took the next step in her political career and is now running for Township Committee, alongside Lily Wong. With the endorsements from the SCFDW and NJFDW, her campaign is more visible, and thank these organizations for their support. |
Ana Duarte McCarthy
Bernards Township |
Trina Folkes
Bound Brook |
Bound Brook: Trina Folkes
Trina Folkes is a wife to Albert for 24 years, a mother of 2 adult children, grandmother to 3 grandchildren, and a proud resident of Bound Brook for 4 years. Trina is an experienced professional with a strong background in finance, volunteerism, and community engagement. She has over 20 years of financial industry experience at Merrill Lynch. She has since completed a career transition into ministry and nonprofit work. Trina has been a dedicated volunteer with over 30 years of service, including leadership roles in youth, mentorship, and women’s ministry. She currently serves as Stewardship Minister at Impact Church Worldwide Inc. Trina is an active member of the Democratic Committee, and she can be found participating in local political activities and campaigns. |
Marguerite BaranowskiBridgewater
Bridgewater: Marguerite Baranowski
A native of Somerset County, Marguerite grew up in Bridgewater and has lived there for 43 years. She graduated from RVCC with an associate degree in Accounting and worked at Merrill Lynch, Gavin Instruments, and Somerset Medical Center until she started her own business, called Bookkeepers Express in 1988, now in its 35th year of operation
In 1989, she decided to run for Somerville Borough Council, and she won! During her term, she served as a Somerville Police Department Commissioner, Liaison to the Library Commission, and Liaison to the Public Works Commission.
Marguerite’s commitment to community service is endless. She’s a member of the Somerville Elks Lodge, helping on the Somerset Children's Center Committee. She's also a Trustee of the Bridgewater Senior Club, President of the Altar Rosary Society at Immaculate Conception Church, Treasurer of the Dumbal-Vogel Foundation (which provides assistance to children under the age of 18 years who are at risk because of socio-economic constraints). She's a member of the 200 Club of Somerset County, a non-profit group of residents and businesses in Somerset County with a deep concern for the welfare of over 5000 Police Officers, firefighters, Rescue Squad members, and New Jersey State Police. She’s been a dedicated Bridgewater Democratic Committee Member as well.
As a candidate for township council, she wants residents to know that she will listen to their concerns regarding the future of Bridgewater’s community, economic needs, ecological concerns, building and development issues, and municipal services. She promises to meet her responsibilities with the openness and integrity currently so sadly lacking and believes all residents of Bridgewater deserve to be treated with respect.
A native of Somerset County, Marguerite grew up in Bridgewater and has lived there for 43 years. She graduated from RVCC with an associate degree in Accounting and worked at Merrill Lynch, Gavin Instruments, and Somerset Medical Center until she started her own business, called Bookkeepers Express in 1988, now in its 35th year of operation
In 1989, she decided to run for Somerville Borough Council, and she won! During her term, she served as a Somerville Police Department Commissioner, Liaison to the Library Commission, and Liaison to the Public Works Commission.
Marguerite’s commitment to community service is endless. She’s a member of the Somerville Elks Lodge, helping on the Somerset Children's Center Committee. She's also a Trustee of the Bridgewater Senior Club, President of the Altar Rosary Society at Immaculate Conception Church, Treasurer of the Dumbal-Vogel Foundation (which provides assistance to children under the age of 18 years who are at risk because of socio-economic constraints). She's a member of the 200 Club of Somerset County, a non-profit group of residents and businesses in Somerset County with a deep concern for the welfare of over 5000 Police Officers, firefighters, Rescue Squad members, and New Jersey State Police. She’s been a dedicated Bridgewater Democratic Committee Member as well.
As a candidate for township council, she wants residents to know that she will listen to their concerns regarding the future of Bridgewater’s community, economic needs, ecological concerns, building and development issues, and municipal services. She promises to meet her responsibilities with the openness and integrity currently so sadly lacking and believes all residents of Bridgewater deserve to be treated with respect.
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Franklin: Phyllis Beals
Phyllis is a licensed clinical social worker therapist, but if you ask her she will tell you she is first and foremost a social worker advocate. Her early work experience was as a child protective services caseworker, a prevention social worker, and an inpatient and outpatient psychotherapist. Today Phyllis is a community social worker who serves on various boards and youth-focused programs which include the Franklin Township Board of Education, the Franklin Township Youth Services Commission, the Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Substance Abuse, and the Franklin Interfaith Council. She has been a member of the Somerset County Mental Health Board since 2021 and actively works on the Franklin Township Stigma-Free Campaign. Politically, Phyllis has been a member of the JFK Democratic Club for 15 years and works to register voters in each election. She has been active in helping to pass the school budgets and was a high school referenda worker in 2020. In addition, Phyllis is President of the Franklin Woman’s Club, a member of College Avenue Community Church New Brunswick NJ, and a member of the National Association of Social Workers. |
Phyllis Beals
Franklin |
Erynn Murray
Hillsborough |
Hillsborough: Erynn Murray
Erynn Murray has lived in Hillsborough for 22 years and is mom of two children, Sarah and Will. She has been a public-school teacher for over 30 years, is currently employed by Princeton Public Schools and she is a proud member of the NJEA Teachers Union. Erynn is a longtime youth sports coach/umpire softball, baseball, lacrosse, field hockey, and swim. She is a former Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmaster and member of the Hillsborough YMCA. Erynn is also a dedicated volunteer to the Hillsborough Democrats and was a candidate for Hillsborough Township Committee in 2022, where she came within striking distance of winning. |
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Manville: Christine Sokoloski
Christine is what can be called a behind the scenes volunteer. She gives so much of herself but she never seeks any praise or limelight. In fact, she was not happy with us bragging on all the work she does. (and this is just what we know). Christine is passionate about her community. She is not just a volunteer for the Red Cross, she is the Disaster Action Team Coordinator for Union, Somerset, and Hunterdon counties. Christine singlehandedly put together a Hurricane Preparedness event for Manville to make sure residents had what they needed to be safe. After TS Ida, Christine was all over the Valley helping neighbors dig out. It was that experience which lead her to join CERT and she is now very active in emergency preparation and management for our town. But Christine does so much more. She is a volunteer with the Manville Food Pantry, a dedicated animal rescuer/foster, and an active member of the Manville Democrats where she helps lead our community events. This year Christine will add Borough Council Member to her resume. The Manville Democrats are so excited to nominate Christine Sokoloski for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award and we are proud to have her on our team! |
Christine Sokoloski
Manville |
Dr. Catherine Lugg
Montgomery |
Montgomery: Dr. Catherine Lugg
Montgomery proudly nominates Dr. Catherine Lugg for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Cath has been an essential part of the Montgomery Democratic team as our organizational treasurer and data wizard. Cath is a retired professor of education from Rutgers University and is recognized for her pioneering research surrounding LGBT issues and the politics of education. We in Montgomery are so thankful that she decided to harness her expertise and dedication to support our organization and our candidates. Cath has launched multiple successful text messaging campaigns for us and keeps us all informed about relevant data including the finances of our organization as well as information about registered voters in Montgomery and the most effective modes of communication and outreach. Cath represents the best values of the Democratic Party and we believe she's exceptionally deserving of this award. |
Jennifer McGovern
North Plainfield |
North Plainfield: Jennifer McGovern
The North Plainfield Democrats are proud to nominate Jennifer McGovern for the Eleanor Roosevelt Award. Jen is the daughter of Rick Drohney and Margo Nilbrink, a wife to Jim, and a Mom to James, Spencer, and Eliza. She is an Expert Marketing Leader in Consumer and Pharmaceuticals, having worked in that field since 2006. She has received prestigious awards for her outstanding work. A dedicated and tireless volunteer in our community, Jen has continued to support and improve our community and our Democratic Party. A Democratic Committee member since 2017, she also has helped with campaigns for Mayor and Borough Council. She has been a Girl Scout Leader since 2018 and has served as a community coordinator. Recently, she helped the Scouts start a community garden to provide fresh vegetables for our Food Pantry, of which she has been a volunteer since 2018, and now serves as co-chair and community liaison. |
An active member of our school community, Jen served as a member of West End School PTA, Somerset School PTO, North Plainfield Middle School, and High School PTO’s, chairing committees and running events. She also has been a North Plainfield Music Parents member, serving as President and Chair of the Scholarship Committee. Jen also served on the Board of Friends of the Library and is a member of the Library Advisory Board.
Jen has given of herself, her time, and her talent to make our Borough a better place for all our residents. May she continue to be an inspiration and an example of community spirit to us all.
Jen has given of herself, her time, and her talent to make our Borough a better place for all our residents. May she continue to be an inspiration and an example of community spirit to us all.
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Raritan: Linda Harwood
As Raritan Democrats Chairman it is my honor to nominate Linda Harwood as Raritan's Recipient for the Somerset County Democrats Eleanor Roosevelt Service Award for her outstanding dedication and contributions to our local Democratic community. Linda's commitment is unwavering; as a founding member of the Raritan Democrats, she has played a pivotal role in the party's growth. Her tireless volunteer work, vote by mail campaigns, events, and committee responsibilities, exemplifies her dedication to the cause. Linda's exceptional support extends to her family; she even persuaded her husband to run for council this year, a testament to her persuasive skills and passion for advancing Democratic values. Her willingness to chauffeur canvassing teams has significantly boosted our outreach efforts, sparing us extensive walking and ensuring the success of our canvasses. |
Linda Harwood
Raritan |
Linda's selflessness shines as she sacrifices quality time with her husband, Greg, so he can continue door-knocking. Her leadership in spearheading our vote-by-mail campaigns over the past three years has bolstered voter engagement, and this year, she's played a key role in organizing events like the Raritan Dems Ice Cream Social. Linda Harwood embodies the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt's service ideals and deserves recognition for her invaluable contributions to our community.
Michelle Edgar
Somerville |
Somerville: Michelle Edgar
Michelle Edgar is the Program Specialist for the Institute of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Raritan Valley Community College. Outside of her work on the Branchburg campus, Michelle is in her second term as a Board Trustee for Somerville Public Library. Additionally, Michelle is a long-time volunteer for the Somerville Democratic Party. In addition, she is a founding member and steering committee chair for the Third Generation Descendants of the Holocaust Survivors Group of New Jersey, known as 3GNJ. Michelle is a former member of the Somerville School Board and a recipient of the sixteenth annual Somerset County Peace & Diversity Award from the Somerset County Cultural Diversity Coalition. |
Carol Senff
Warren |
Warren: Carol Senff
Carol Senff is a lifelong educator, a selfless volunteer, and a fierce advocate for women’s rights and women’s voices. Her professional background is impressive. As a high school English teacher, Carol shared her love of reading, language, and creative writing with her students. After twenty-six years in the classroom, she sought new challenges by accepting the position of Language Arts Supervisor for the Scotch Plains School District. Carol’s natural management style was an excellent fit for this role. She is supportive and encouraging, but also has the gift of providing constructive feedback in a way that fosters personal growth. Upon retirement from teaching, Carol did anything but slow down. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to open her own tutoring company, which allowed her to continue to share her passion for literature and writing with students from diverse communities in Somerset County. Volunteerism comes naturally to Carol. She volunteered for several years at the Wagner Farm Arboretum, whose mission is to enrich, educate and inspire the community by increasing environmental awareness and recreational opportunities. Carol was on the Warren Library Advisory Board for ten years, and has served as both President and Vice President on the Friends of the Library, an organization she has been involved with for over three decades. |
rol has also volunteered at the Bound Book Presbyterian Church Food Bank, and has organized numerous food and clothing drives through her work with the Warren Township Democratic Committee.
Carol has been an invaluable volunteer for the Warren Democratic Committee since 2017. She is one of a small handful of individuals who has been integral to the rebuilding of our organization, a key player without whom we would have been unable to grow into the thriving team that we have become. Her work on our campaigns, from wordsmithing to media relations, has helped us craft a clear and consistent vision for what we hope our community to be.
Carol has been an invaluable volunteer for the Warren Democratic Committee since 2017. She is one of a small handful of individuals who has been integral to the rebuilding of our organization, a key player without whom we would have been unable to grow into the thriving team that we have become. Her work on our campaigns, from wordsmithing to media relations, has helped us craft a clear and consistent vision for what we hope our community to be.
Hailey DesaiNext Generation Award
Next Generation Award: Hailey Desai
Hailey Desai is currently a senior at Hillsborough High School where she is the Editor-in-Chief of the High School Newspaper, the Founder/President of the Feminist Literature Club, and the Co-President of the Waksman Club, a club that allows students to publish research with Rutgers University. Furthermore, she is involved in the Spanish Honor Society and holds a board position in her school's chapter of Amnesty International. An avid reader of historical fiction/dystopian novels she also loves reading National Geographic magazines.
Hailey has been a dedicated intern with the Somerset County Democratic Committee where she has participated in petitions, vote by mail, data input and validation, social media posts, and internal polling. A familiar face at our events, including setting up the county’s nominating convention and participating in sign in for numerous other events Hailey's commitment to our party is exceptional and made it clear that she is a Next Generation Award winner.
Hailey Desai is currently a senior at Hillsborough High School where she is the Editor-in-Chief of the High School Newspaper, the Founder/President of the Feminist Literature Club, and the Co-President of the Waksman Club, a club that allows students to publish research with Rutgers University. Furthermore, she is involved in the Spanish Honor Society and holds a board position in her school's chapter of Amnesty International. An avid reader of historical fiction/dystopian novels she also loves reading National Geographic magazines.
Hailey has been a dedicated intern with the Somerset County Democratic Committee where she has participated in petitions, vote by mail, data input and validation, social media posts, and internal polling. A familiar face at our events, including setting up the county’s nominating convention and participating in sign in for numerous other events Hailey's commitment to our party is exceptional and made it clear that she is a Next Generation Award winner.
Somerset County Award: Michele Kidd
First Annual President's Award: Nancy D'Andrea
What an incredible evening and event. THANK YOU to everyone who attended
Photo Credit: Christopher Basista
Photo Credit: Christopher Basista
